Emma Raducanu faces major backlash: "Does everything for a cheque"

Emma Raducanu, the fifth-ranked Birtish woman, has turned down a wildcard entry to the 2024 Paris Olympics, per BBC Sport.

Raducanu, anticipating a press backlash, told reporters, “I think I’m very single-minded and I do things my own way and at my own time,” adding this is, “Not in a diva way.”

Raducanu, who recently sat out the French Open, continued by explaining she is, “prioritising my body and my health because I know if I’m fit, if I’m giving my 100 per cent, I know great things are coming.”

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The 2021 US Open winner, who had wrist and ankle surgery last year, per The Daily Mail, suggested the Olympics were not worth the risk, “especially with my history.”

Per Sportskeeda, fans were quick to mock Raducanu’s decision online, with one writing, “Must be a Dior event going on during that time.”

Another wrote, “Big talk from someone ranked 209,” referencing Raducanu’s slip to a world ranking of 209, per the WTA.

Another fan was even harsher in their criticism, writing, “People need to get their head around that Raducanu does everything for a cheque. All her decisions involve a cheque being written out to her,” which seems especially harsh given her decision to train for Wimbledon and sit out the recent tournament at Roland Garros.

Sportskeeda’s list of fan critiques continued, with one fan suggesting, “Given her lack of tennis and multiple issues with competing on a regular basis, this is possibly her only opportunity [to compete at the Olympics].” Again, perhaps misguided given her commitment to looking after her physical health in recent months.

Raducanu’s decision came after her Nottingham Open semi-final loss to Britain number one Katie Boulter which showed a return to form despite the loss.

Raducanu’s decision to snub the Olympics just two weeks before the start of Wimbledon, with her decision perhaps mounting more pressure on her to perform at the All England Club.

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